Total Recyclables Collected: 362,459 kilos
Thirty-One Prospective Waste Stewards Briefed on Eco Kolek's Two-Month Professionalization Pathway
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — Thirty-one prospective Eco Warriors, constituting the fourth batch of candidates for the PZC-Eco Kolek Program, were formally oriented on the program's environmental advocacy, operating system and training requirements during a half-day session held at the Old Session Hall in Barangay Sta. Monica. The orientation, attended by thirty-one participants and five members of the Eco Kolek staff, introduced the candidates to the program's central aim: the professionalization of informal waste collectors as recognized environmental stewards within a structured, community-based circular economy.
MItchell Gimena
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — Thirty-one prospective Eco Warriors, constituting the fourth batch of candidates for the PZC-Eco Kolek Program, were formally oriented on the program's environmental advocacy, operating system and training requirements during a half-day session held at the Old Session Hall in Barangay Sta. Monica.
The orientation, attended by thirty-one participants and five members of the Eco Kolek staff, introduced the candidates to the program's central aim: the professionalization of informal waste collectors as recognized environmental stewards within a structured, community-based circular economy.
Advocacy Anchored on Segregation
The session opened with welcome remarks from Ms. Joycee Oliverio, followed by a prayer led by Mr. Allan Gabinete. Mr. Ronnel Rodriguez then introduced the Eco Kolek staff and presented the program's purpose and advocacy, placing particular emphasis on proper waste segregation as the foundation of responsible waste management. He also outlined the categories of waste that are properly destined for sanitary landfill disposal, giving participants a view of the outcomes the program seeks and the part they are expected to play in achieving them.
Ms. Oliverio subsequently presented the program's operating framework, covering relevant government policies, partner agencies, funders, and the series of trainings that candidates will complete over two months.
A Defined Package of Benefits
Ms. Oliverio explained that candidates who complete the training and pass the evaluation at its conclusion will be eligible for a range of benefits. These include weekly incentives during the training period, an official Eco Warrior uniform, insurance coverage, and a vehicle for house-to-house collection, including personal collection activities.
Successful participants will also gain access to skills and livelihood training offered in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and LEDIPO. Certificates issued through the LEDIPO-partnered livelihood trainings may be used to qualify for exemptions from business taxes when the acquired skills are applied to the participants' own enterprises. Assistance in obtaining a driver's license will likewise be extended, with participants required only to pass the prescribed examination.
Beyond these, Eco Warriors will have opportunities to travel when taking part in activities organized or joined by Eco Kolek. Graduates will receive a certificate of completion and take part in a commencement exercise in which they will wear a toga provided by the program, a gesture intended to strengthen their confidence and self-esteem. Upon officially becoming Eco Warriors, they may also join the Samahan ng Mangangalakal ng Puerto Princesa (SMPP).
Ms. Oliverio stressed that these benefits are reserved for those who complete the full two-month training and satisfy its evaluation. The participants responded to the presentation with evident enthusiasm and interest.
From Clean-Up Drives to Prevention
Turning to the program's community engagement work, Ms. Oliverio described the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities through which Eco Kolek reaches residents from children to adults, including school roadshows, barangay and purok roadshows, and household-level reinforcement. She added that Eco Warriors take part in community and coastal clean-up drives, tree-planting activities and environmental exhibits, citing earlier exhibitions held at Robinsons and the Coliseum.
In a remark that initially drew puzzled reactions from the audience, Ms. Oliverio said, with humor, that she no longer wished to take part in clean-up drives. She clarified that, if every resident understood proper segregation and managed waste responsibly, the need for such drives would steadily diminish, a point that underscored the program's emphasis on prevention over remediation.
Training Rules and Schedule
Ms. Ma. Iris Darline Cacal then presented the two-month training schedule leading to the commencement exercise and introduced the partner agencies that have been invited to serve as resource speakers on specific topics. She reviewed the training guidelines, which cover attendance and punctuality, participation and conduct, cleanliness and environmental responsibility, health and safety, discipline, certification and completion requirements, and general provisions. Ms. Cacal also clarified that the training identification card issued to candidates is distinct from the official identification they will receive upon graduating as Eco Warriors.
Voices of the Prospective Eco Warriors
In an open discussion facilitated by Mr. Gabinete, participants were asked why they wished to become Eco Warriors. Their answers pointed to livelihood needs, civic pride and a desire for lasting change in their communities.
"Gusto ko maging Eco Warrior dahil wala na akong hanap-buhay," one participant said, citing the need for a steady source of income.
Another, whose present work already involves keeping the barangay clean, said: "Bilang monitoring, trabaho talaga namin 'yan ang maglinis. Kalinisan po talaga ang gusto natin dito sa barangay."
Echoing Ms. Oliverio's earlier point on prevention, a third participant offered: "Para hindi na po mag-clean-up drive."
A fourth underscored the program's wider value: "Hindi lang kalinisan ang matutunan namin, opportunity sa training din, lalo na sa aming kabuhayan."
Next Steps
Ms. Oliverio closed the session by summarizing the key points and informing interested candidates that they would undergo profiling and complete a capacity needs assessment facilitated by Eco Kolek staff. She urged participants to take the forthcoming two-month training seriously and to make full use of the learning and opportunities it offers.
The orientation left participants with a clearer understanding of the program's objectives, training requirements and environmental advocacy. Their willingness to join reflects an interest not only in skills and livelihood opportunities, but also in contributing directly to the cleanliness and environmental protection of their community.
